Ornamental asparagus is an undemanding and relatively easy-care green plant. Because of the beautifully shaped leaves, Asparagus densiflorus is also extremely popular as a cut and binding green. In this article you will find important details regarding the toxicity of this asparagus plant found in many households.
The berries of the ornamental asparagus are poisonous
The plant characteristics
If you are given a potted plant or a bouquet of flowers, you often do not even know which plant it is. You can recognize ornamental asparagus by these characteristics:
- Very delicate foliage.
- Thorny leaf spur.
- Under optimal site conditions, the plant forms tiny, white individual flowers.
- After flowering small red berries appear.
- The growth is more or less upright. The shoots can also thrive overhanging.
- Bulbous thickened root.
Is Asparagus densiflorus poisonous?
Unfortunately, the ornamental asparagus is one of the poisonous indoor plants. However, not all parts of the plant contain toxins, only the small berries. The leaves and stems, on the other hand, are non-toxic, making them safe for pets and children who may want to nibble on the foliage.
However, the toxicity of the berries should not be underestimated. If people or animals eat them, symptoms of poisoning can occur, such as:
- Nausea,
- Vomit,
- Stomach pain,
- A headache,
- Dizziness,
- general malaise,
come.
Therefore, make sure to place the plant in such a way that children or pets cannot reach the berries. The game with the small, red balls is particularly appealing to cats. When rolling through the apartment, however, these can burst open and the cat licks up the juice.
If you notice the above-mentioned symptoms in a person or in your pet and you are cultivating an ornamental asparagus that is also bearing berries, it is advisable to consult a doctor or veterinarian immediately.
tips
To avoid symptoms of poisoning, you can cut off individual flowering fronds. If the plant has already formed berries, you should pick them off and destroy them. Be sure to wear gloves when doing this work.